Holy Week message from the Chaplain
Wishing a very Happy Easter to all our residents, families, staff and friends!
‘Easter is always the answer to “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me!”’ – Madeleine L’Engle
Chaplain Alan 2021
Greetings from the Chaplain!
This is Holy Week in the Western Christian tradition. There will be many residents and staff observing this very sacred time of the year at Parkwood.
Through the week, there is an air of solemnity as we bring to mind the suffering, betrayal and death of Jesus Christ.
There will be a number of services – all led by the Chaplain, Alan Cook, because of the Pandemic.
In Long Term Care, they will be held in the lounges and alcoves of our different units. It is always appreciated when staff take a few minutes to pause and join in the services for a song or a prayer.
In the Retirement Suites, there will be short services in the corridors and in the Education Room on Wednesday 31st March, and again on Easter Sunday – April 4th.
Holy Week began with Palm Sunday, March 28th, when we remember Christ’s entry to Jerusalem as the King of Peace. Residents are given a palm leaf or a palm cross as a token of this day; they are encouraged to keep the leaf or cross on display in their rooms, e.g. on a bulletin board or over a picture where they can see it.
On Thursday, April 1st, we celebrate the Last Supper and the Washing of the disciples’ feet by Jesus. There are no services this day, however.
On Friday, April 2nd, (Good Friday), we remember the crucifixion of Jesus, his suffering and death. Chaplain Alan will lead several short services in the home areas.
On Saturday, we remember Jesus in the grave, and there will be hymn sings in the home areas and mourn the dead.
On Easter Sunday, April 4th, we celebrate with much joy the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
At the same time, the Jewish festival of Passover is celebrated this week, from Saturday, March 27th, for a week. We currently have no Jewish residents.
As we go through this Holy Week, and through another week of this pandemic, I invite you to remember that Jesus at the time was himself cut off from his friends and family, suffered, and died in great pain. But throughout this week, He knew that He was held in God’s hands, and that nothing could separate him from God’s love – not even death.
May you, may we all, know that whatever comes to us this week or in the weeks ahead, nothing can separate us from the love of God.
I wish you all a very blessed Holy Week.
Alan Cook, Chaplain, Director of Spiritual Care and Culture
Due to the isolation restrictions of COVID, Parkwood has been awarded a grant from Seniors Centre Without Walls. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Adult Centres Association of Ontario for all their support. During Covid, Parkwood continues to promote activities and support for our Residents, Wellness Members, Existing Families, Senior Volunteers, Essential Caregivers and all those that are older adults and seniors in our community that may be isolated at this time. Seniors’ Centre Without Walls (SCWW) telephone-based model will allow us to connect with you and offer programs that you find interesting over your telephone. If you have technology at home then you have the choice to participate virtually or via the telephone. The goal is to increase your companionship, foster a positive mental health, and keep you engaged as we get through Covid together! There is no cost to participate to you and you do not have to be living at Parkwood to enjoy these services. This program is aimed at our 55+ Senior Adults!
We have a Participant Intake Questionnaire that we would like to complete with you over the telephone. We would be happy to call you to gather your input and to match you to a program we currently offer (Bingo, Hymn Sing, group discussions, exercises) and to create new ones.
Please give Laura Gorman, Project Manager or Joanne Gentile, Volunteer Coordinator a call at 519 747 2151 ext 335 and we will be pleased to gather your feedback and match you with a program today!
In addition, we do have a link to our survey online for those of you that would prefer to complete it online and then follow up with us to discuss your interest over the telephone.
The link is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M6K7ZBW
Many thanks and look forward to engaging together soon!
Monday to Sunday
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This is 
to inform you about the new Administration Business hours.
As of February 6, 2021, our Front Desk will be
ready for service as stated above.
Christine Normandeau,
Executive Director
Studios (295sq.ft) – suitable for one person at $3,372.00/month
AVAILABLE NOW:
Assisted Living includes:
Studios (295 sq. ft.)
For inquiries call or mail Tiffany at:
519-885-0090 ext. 250 twurdell@parkwoodmh.com
Click here to see the poster:
RIA Announces $1.3m In Funding for Community Programs Supporting Intergenerational Partnerships
Here is the link to the story that you can use: https://intergenerationalpartnerships.ca/ria-announces-1-3m-in-funding-for-community-programs-supporting-intergenerational-partnerships/
Greetings Staff, Residents, and Families:
Our Medical Director Dr. David Grant has sent out some information about the COVID-19 vaccine by way of a letter.
This is an incredible milestone, but not nearly as incredible as you are.
Gladys Smith celebrated her 100th birthday on December 17th at Parkwood Seniors Community. Gladys and her husband came to live at Parkwood in 2008. A few years ago, Gladys moved into long-term care. She has had a very full life – 4 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Gladys is a very accomplished person. She has an ARCT degree in piano. In her late 40s she went to Brock University to acquire her B.A. She continued her studies and obtained Master’s in Education (MEd) degree. She is highly qualified (retired) high school teacher, respected by her colleagues and esteemed by her students.
Mrs. Smith has been always active in her church, she led the Choir and played piano for services. She and her husband were avid travellers, having visited 72 countries! Cheerful, helpful, caring, Gladys has made many good friends at Parkwood. She has contributed in many ways to this community, especially delighting folks with her wonderful piano playing. 🎶
Best wishes from all of us at Parkwood Senior Community.
Please click on the link below to view a brief overview to LTC presentation:
As the extraordinary year of 2020 draws to a close, we celebrate Christmas in a world where everything has changed. It has been a year like no other – where masks and hand sanitizer are essential items; meeting with family and friends is restricted; and there is a risk of contracting COVID wherever we go.
Despite these challenges, the spirit of kindness and gratitude infuse our Parkwood Community. Many people have offered gifts and encouragement to our residents, families, and team members in these difficult months. Students from neighborhood schools took their time to send uplifting handwritten cards. These blessings are reminders of how thankful we are for the generosity and care of our wonderful community.
Each year, Parkwood strives to walk in partnership with residents and families to build a community that balances a happy and welcoming home environment with the excellence in clinical care that residents require. This year, we invite you to consider donating to Parkwood for initiatives in 2021. As always, our goal remains to provide excellence in care through our values of faith, kindness, trust, excellence, and accountability.
We look forward to a New Year where we will return to a gathering for fellowship, recreation programming, and special events. Parkwood is not the same without our friends, our volunteers, and all our community at large. We miss you!
Parkwood and its team members wish you and your loved one’s health and happiness this Christmas season and in the New Year.
With sincere gratitude,
Christine Normandeau, Executive Director
